Health and Social Benefits of Pet Ownership

HEALTH AND SOCIAL BENEFITS IREENhO OF PET OWNERSHIP Pet ownership continues to increase throughout the world. Here, we take a look at some of the social and health benefits that can be attained from pet ownership. OWNER STATS In Europe it is estimated that there are over 72 million 62 % In the U.S., of all households own pets. pet owning households. Around 40% of all households in the U.S. There are estimated to be have a dog, while between 30% and 37% have a cat. 33 million pets in Australia. 18.4 million of Australia's pets 36% of Australian households eight million are fish, and just over own dogs, while 23 % own cats. are birds. Russians own the most dogs, Italians own the most ornamental 12.5 million. 13 with birds, with million. The French own the most reptiles, with 2.7 million. TRENDS DRIVING INCREASED OWNERSHIP Increasing amount of people living on their own, particularly in cities. Decrease in the number of people involved in their communities. Fewer close relatives living nearby to provide support. The rate of divorce has increased meaning more people are on their own. People are now more time poor with work commitments. This leaves less time for More people choosing not to have children or to have less children. socialising with friends. Pets can act as a replacement. SOCIAL BENEFITS For Children Can help to promote sharing and caring for others. Can help to teach Can aid time responsibility. management skills. Can help to build self-esteem. Helps to develop empathy. Aids social development as pets can help to increase interactions with others. Pets open up a network whereby children can communicate their fears and anxieties. For Adults Studies indicate that Can provide a stronger sense Help to meet social needs such as people find pet owners more socially approachable. They can help to prevent loneliness. of belongingness. self-esteem and control. HEALTH BENEFITS For Kids 31% Research indicates that kids who had a dog during their first year of life had 31% less respiratory tract infections than those that didn't. 44% Kids with dogs had 44% less ear infections than those that did not. Medical evidence that living with a pet reduces the chances of developing asthma and some airborne diseases. Salivary immunoglobulin levels tend to be closer to normal range in children that own pets. For Adults More than 1/3 of dogs living with diabetic people have displayed changes in behaviour when their blood sugar level drops. They increase physical activity from playing and walking. Proven reduction in blood pressure when stroking Can help to reduce stress and anxiety. a pet. Owners who experience a heart attack have displayed better recovery than non-pet owners one year later. Cholesterol levels Certain trained dogs can sniff out tend to be lower in pet owners. allergens such as the presence of nuts in food. QUOTES The general belief is that there are health benefits to owning pets, both in terms of psychological growth and development, as well as physical health benefits,,, DR. JAMES GRIFFIN NIH's Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face,, SIR BERNARD WILLIAMS Renowned British Philosopher These quotes are not affiliated with Greyhounds As Pets GŘEYHOUNDS AS PETS www.gapnsw.com.au References www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/features/the-health-benefits-of-having-pets-10245128.html www.livescience.com/35463-seven-surprising-health-benefits-dog-ownership-110209.html www.fediaf.org/facts-figures/ www.avma.org/KB/Resources/Statistics/Pages/Market-research-statistics-US-pet-ownership.aspx www.acac.org.au/pet_care.html www.petinsure.ie/rise-pet-population/ www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-social-self/201107/friends-benefits-pets-make-us-happier-healthier www.rte.ie/worldanimalweek/benefits/index.html pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/early/2012/07/03/peds.2011-2825.abstract?sid=73a8fcd1-ad41-4099-8e99-afa57ce00elf